• Bill Gates told Congress that Jeffrey Epstein tried to use knowledge of his past affairs to pressure him, but said the allegations were unrelated to their interactions.
  • Gates called meeting Epstein a "grave error in judgment," saying he regretted lending him credibility and denied witnessing any criminal conduct.
  • The testimony is part of a broader congressional probe into Epstein's network, with lawmakers signaling potential further inquiries.

Gates Testifies in Closed-Door Session

Bill Gates sat for a transcribed interview with the House Oversight Committee as part of an ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's network of associates. During the session, Gates acknowledged that Epstein attempted to leverage knowledge of his personal life to gain influence, but insisted that his interactions with the convicted sex offender were not connected to any criminal activity. He described Epstein's claims as "manipulation and falsehoods," according to people familiar with the matter.

Gates, who has previously expressed regret over his association with Epstein, reiterated that he never witnessed any illicit behavior and condemned Epstein's conduct. The Microsoft co-founder emphasized that any meetings were inappropriate in hindsight, calling his decision to engage with Epstein a "grave error in judgment." He denied that these interactions had any bearing on his philanthropic work or business dealings.

Lawmakers Vow Continued Scrutiny

The committee's probe comes amid a wave of document releases that have raised questions about how Epstein and his circle connected with high-profile figures. Lawmakers have signaled renewed scrutiny and potential subpoenas as more materials surface. The investigation focuses on whether Epstein used his network to coerce or manipulate individuals, and whether institutions—including philanthropic organizations—failed to conduct adequate due diligence.

Gates's testimony is part of broader efforts to map the full extent of Epstein's influence. A committee spokesperson said the panel will continue to review documents and interview witnesses to ensure accountability. Attempts to reach Epstein's estate for comment were unsuccessful.

Implications for Philanthropy and Governance

While the Gates testimony does not directly implicate his foundation, it has reignited debate about donor relationships and transparency in philanthropy. Governance experts say the case underscores the need for rigorous vetting processes, particularly for organizations tied to high-net-worth individuals. No immediate market disruption is expected, but the controversy may fuel calls for enhanced oversight of large charitable foundations.

Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the date of the testimony. It occurred in June 2026, not 2025.